photo credit: {dpade1337}Camping can be hard work. At the end of a long day of hiking, cooking and setting up camp, you’re going to need your rest. That’s where the right camping bed comes in. You want a bed that’s comfortable enough to provide you with a good night’s sleep. But you don’t want to spend too much. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for campers in the market- some are costly, but others are both inexpensively priced and high-quality beds.

Campers can choose from an inflatable air bed or a simple ground pad. Campers choosing either option can then cover their beds with a sleeping bag for additional comfort. Remember, camping beds aren’t important only because they are comfortable. They also provide an extra layer of insulation between you and the ground. This prevents heat loss, something that is important on colder nights. Sleeping pads are especially good at providing warmth. The pads trap and hold a layer of non-circulating air between your body and the cold ground. Your body heat warms this layer of non-moving air, becoming an insulation barrier.

A sleeping pad’s ability to do this effectively depends on how air it holds and how freely the air is able to circulate. Air beds are also a good choice. And today’s air beds offer more variety and quality levels than ever. Some air beds, in fact, feel as comfortable as a traditional bed. Some are large enough to comfortably sleep two campers. And some inflate and deflate in seconds.

Of course, as with most camping products, quality does depend on price. If you pay more for your air bed or sleeping pad, you’ll generally get a better quality product. If you’re a frequent camper, or one who takes long trips, you might want to invest a little extra money for a top camping bed. How much you want to pay, though, depends on how important it is for you to sleep on a perfectly comfortable camping bed when you’re roughing it. Remember, we are talking about camping here. You’re not staying in a luxury hotel. You might want to save some money by purchasing an air bed or sleeping pad that is quality but not at the very top of the line.

Whatever choice you make, though, you can be confident that there is a camping bed out there that’s perfect for your needs. You just need to put forth a bit of research, and take a close look at your own camping habits, to find that ideal camping bed.

"What to Look for in a Camping Bed" by Happy Camper was published on June 21st, 2009 and is listed in Camping.